THE CHALLENGE

The NATO Codification System (NCS) is the world-wide standard for identification of military and civilian government items of supply using NATO Stock Numbers (NSNs). It is a uniform and common system for the identification, classification and stock numbering of items of supply, used by all NATO countries. It provides item names, suppliers and part numbers, and characteristics data required in all phases of logistics, from procurement through to disposal. The system offers linkage between NSNs and other classification systems and is a common language of supply that promotes tri-service and equipment interoperability within the UK MOD and amongst NATO nations, preventing duplication within the supply chain. The NCS documents technical data and descriptions for every item of supply and allocates a NATO Stock Number based upon form, fit and function. This information is stored on the Codification Support Information System (CSIS) and includes details of manufacturer, supplier, and other relevant information. The NATO Codification System is used by the Army, Navy and Royal Air force with all items of supply going through the military supply chain, NATO codified. A 13- digit NATO stock number (NSN) is allocated to each item, which is used to identify it throughout the supply chain. NSNs are catalogued on the CSIS database. Inaccurate parts data contained within equipment parts catalogues or inventory lists etc. have a significant impact to the demand cycle, stock holdings, equipment repair times and ultimately equipment/platform availability and repair cost. It is therefore essential that all parts data as defined within the Illustrated Parts Catalogues (IPCs) or Inventory Parts Lists are accurate; not only against the NATO CSIS system, but also against OEM parts lists, design drawings and other supporting information. The items identified in the Illustrated Parts Catalogue pivot around two key information sets; the Manufacturer Parts Number (MPN) and the NATO Stock Number (NSN). CSIS provides the means by which multiple MPNs may be listed against a single NSN, as each MPN associated to an NSN meets the form, fit and function requirements of that NSN, it raises the question within the procurement process of ‘Which MPN should be used for a particular NSN?’. To further complicate the issue, the choice of a particular MPN for a NSN can change over time due to changes in purchasing criteria or preference in supplier. Due to the labour-intensive processes and associated costs involved in managing the NSN and MPN data, the majority of parts lists will be out of alignment when referenced against CSIS and OEM data.